We know the importance of power and precision for skin resurfacing. That’s why our Dermablate Cool Laser features advanced functionality and interchangeable handpieces, allowing clinics to confidently perform both fractional and full-ablation treatments.
But what are the fundamental differences between these treatment methods? And how do the MicroSpot and VarioSpot handpieces allow practitioners to customise procedures for each patient?
This guide covers everything you need to know about fractional versus full ablation with the Cool Laser, so you can choose the right approach for your clinic and clients.
Why Choose Dermablate for Skin Resurfacing?
The Cool Laser is powered by a highly absorbed 2,940 nm Er:YAG wavelength, which targets water in the skin with remarkable precision. This allows for extremely effective ablation with minimal thermal damage to the surrounding tissue, which is essential for patient comfort and consistent clinical results.
Dermablate’s ultra-short pulse lengths, which begin at only 100 microseconds, provide the control required for deep resurfacing, superficial treatments, and everything in between. And thanks to its modular handpiece system, it’s easy to switch between treatment types without compromising on efficiency or ergonomics.
Fractional Ablation with the MicroSpot Handpiece
The MicroSpot handpiece is specifically intended to perform fractional ablation, which involves applying laser energy to small columns of skin while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. These undamaged areas help to accelerate healing and stimulate collagen renewal, resulting in smoother, firmer skin over time.
The MicroSpot handpiece has a fixed 13 x 13 mm spot size, perfect for controlled fractional delivery. Its ergonomic design and lightweight, thin structure make it comfortable to handle during longer treatments. It is made of long-lasting, sterilisable stainless steel and allows for safe and sanitary clinical use while retaining a precise, consistent beam profile.
The MicroSpot handpiece divides the Cool Laser’s beam into a grid of microspots. This gives you complete control over the density and depth of treatment, allowing you to personalise it to the specific skin type and condition being addressed.
Common applications include:
- Mild-to-moderate wrinkles
- Acne scarring and uneven texture
- Large pores and general skin refinement
- Skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime
Patients usually recover more quickly and tolerate fractional treatments better since they only target a portion of the skin’s surface with each pass. For clinics, this means being able to deliver a popular, non-invasive solution that provides noticeable improvement with less interference with day-to-day activities.
Full Ablation with the VarioSpot Handpiece
The VarioSpot handpiece is used for full ablation, where the laser uniformly removes the epidermis across the whole treatment area. This approach is excellent for those who require significant rejuvenation or repair.
The VarioSpot handpiece was also designed with ergonomics in mind. It has a changeable spot size of 1 to 6 mm, which can be easily changed by twisting the integrated ring on the handpiece. This enables practitioners to treat both huge and small, delicate areas precisely.
The handpiece also maintains a consistent beam profile, allowing for smooth and controlled tissue removal while minimising heat spread.
It is light, thin, and made of sterilisable stainless steel, similar to the MicroSpot, allowing for efficient workflows and maintaining hygiene in high-throughput clinic environments.
Best suited for:
- Deep wrinkles and advanced photoageing
- Surgical or traumatic scars
- Pigmented lesions and skin irregularities
- Comprehensive facial resurfacing
Full ablation typically requires a longer recovery period; however, patients frequently notice a significant improvement in skin quality after just one treatment. The VarioSpot handpiece allows practitioners to fine-tune the ablation depth and energy, increasing efficacy while maintaining safety.
MicroSpot vs. VarioSpot: Which Should You Use?
Choosing between fractional and full ablation often comes down to a patient’s skin condition, goals, and willingness to accept downtime.
The MicroSpot handpiece is ideal for clients seeking gradual skin enhancement with minimal side effects such as mild redness and flaking. It enables a series of low-downtime treatments (2-5 day recovery) that lead to noticeable improvements, particularly in cases of textural issues or early signs of ageing.
The VarioSpot handpiece enables intensive treatments for those with more pronounced concerns, such as deep lines, stubborn pigmentation, or scar tissue. While downtime is longer, results are usually more visible and require fewer repeat sessions. Side effects include redness, peeling, and temporary sensitivity, though these are typically mild and short-lived.
The beauty of the Cool Laser system is that you don’t have to choose one or the other; both handpieces are available, allowing your clinic to offer personalised care for a wide spectrum of aesthetic needs. If you’re interested in the Dermablate Cool Laser or have any questions, please do get in touch.
Treatment Experience and Outcomes
Dermablate’s MicroSpot and VarioSpot handpieces provide a precise, effective, and safe treatment experience. Thanks to the minimal thermal side effects associated with Er:YAG technology, patients benefit from quicker healing, minimised risk of complications, and high satisfaction rates.
Both modalities can be enhanced with supportive skincare and follow-up protocols, further improving outcomes and encouraging client loyalty.
Additional Cool Laser Handpieces
The Cool Laser supports a wide range of treatments with specialised handpieces, each engineered for precision, ease of use, and specific clinical goals.
Fineliner Handpiece
Designed for high-precision work, the Fineliner handpiece has a fixed 1.5 mm spot size and focus optics, making it ideal for delicate, targeted ablation. Its thin, ergonomic design, lightweight stainless steel composition, and sterilisable form make it an ideal tool for precise dermatological applications.
CUT Handpiece
The CUT handpiece was designed for minor surgical procedures, using focused optics and a 0.5 mm spot size for controlled, precise tissue removal. It comes with a sanitary, EO-treated single-use cover, maintaining the highest standards of safety and sterility in surgical environments.
Juliet® Handpiece
The Juliet handpiece offers minimally invasive treatment for a variety of women’s intimate health issues. Using MicroSpot optics and a 9 x 9 mm spot size, it stimulates collagen and elastin production while improving the vascularisation of vaginal tissue. A sterile, single-use applicator promotes patient comfort, hygiene, and treatment efficacy.
Romeo® Handpiece
The Romeo handpiece, designed exclusively to treat snoring, provides a non-invasive solution by strengthening the soft palate and uvula. With a 5 x 5 mm MicroSpot beam, this treatment has resulted in a significant reduction in snoring for more than half of the patients, often after only one session. Like Juliet, Romeo is supplied with a single-use, EO-treated applicator for maximum patient safety.
See the Dermablate Cool Laser in Action
If you’re considering upgrading your clinic’s skin resurfacing capabilities, the Dermablate Cool Laser offers everything you need to deliver transformative outcomes. Whether your focus is collagen production through fractional treatment or high-impact rejuvenation via full ablation, Dermablate’s MicroSpot and VarioSpot handpieces ensure your team has the flexibility to treat each patient with exceptional accuracy.
To learn more about the Cool Laser system, contact us today. We’ll be happy to guide you through specifications, training, and pricing options tailored to your clinic.
